Motorola Droid Case Reviews

[racklefratz]

I want a fully enclosed vertical leather case with all the cut-outs necessary to fit my Droid, and a flip-up front so I can access the screen without impediment, and a removable belt clip. Just the ordinary case I've grown accustomed to with all my prior phones in the past.....doesn't seem like a lot to ask (although the slide-out keyboard might present design problems). Whatever. I'd even accept such a case that required me to remove the phone from the case to use the hardware keyboard.

 

[markmicallef]

Received my case today, It fits beautiful. A hard but flexible plastic.
It has a rubbery feel to it. It snaps on an off quickly and feels tight
in place. The finish is a mat black, and very nice for $8 total.

I just purchased this case/cover should arrive
Monday the 23rd. It was only $8 including shipping.
I will let you know how it works later this week.

BLACK Rubberized Phone Cover Hard Case Motorola Droid - eBay (item 260509727978 end time Dec-19-09 21:26:13 PST)

29550#ht_2159wt_958

 

[pwjone1]

Since the sizes are somewhat similar with the iPhone, I tried out a Cellet Bergam case,

purchased off of e-bay. It seems to work fairly well on a Moto Droid, but a few notes:

1. Pretty tight - even after stretching elastic out by hand
2. The top of the Droid extends above the case about 3mm (no protection, but this must be by design, as the iPhone and the Droid are only about 1mm diffo in length)
3. Screen is fully protected, as is the bottom, but the sides not as much (there's just a stretchy fabric, leather part forms a U around the phone, no sides)

I did not try the clip, but I know from other Cellets I had, that it works fine, is actually a pretty good clip. I want to use mine without the clip, in a pocket of my pants. It might scratch up a belt a bit, if it's soft enough leather. Doesn't rotate, as far as I can tell, so only vertical, if you go that way. I am still debating the lack of top protection, when I have things in a pocket that's not so important, and the leather across the back looks to be very protective. Still, and probably this is in part because the Droid is thicker, the case is fairly tight on the phone.

OK, a bit of a tertiary update on the case. In between trying out other cases, I used this one a couple of days, to see if it might wear in a bit. It has, but only slightly, so the phone still sticks out of the top by 5mm or so, granted this case was made for an iPhone and a Droid is larger, but an iPhone must hang out a bit. But one more observation is that other than that, the protection is above average for a leather case. It kind of looks like they've sewn in a padding layer, maybe some sort of thin cellular foam or something, and have some sort of hard reinforcing, probably for protection. That may be why the thing hasn't expanded out to fit, things are still pretty snug, but protection is a good thing, and until the real Droid-specific cases start to come out, this may be what we have to live with.

4th. update, tried this case for another day or so, and saw one thing, kind of reinforced another. The main problem is that it's just too snug. It's easy to get out of the pocket, the Droid except at the top is well enough protected, but it's just too hard to get out of the case, the elastic is too strong. Did all sorts of stretch and so forth, trying to break it in, no luck so far. And I haven't been able to figure this one out exactly yet, but in the case, I seem to have more problems with the Bluetooth connections, than with some of the other cases I'm trying out. So in the end, I think this one is probably going to go on the shelf, I'll try other solutions for now.

The Cellet line is out at:

Cellet® Products :: Chargers, Cases, Proguards, Charms, Skins

for anyone that's curious. It's pretty extensive, so it could be that there's a variant that would fit the Droid better. Everyone is trying to use iPhone cases, and I just don't think that's working, the Droid is Longer/thicker/less wide. Seems like some older phone would have the right dimensions, but if there is, I haven't found it yet.

When I did a search on Droid at the Cellet site, they came up with a number of cases, not this particular one , but here's some examples:

So apparently there are ones that Cellet considers as fitting the Droid. The pipeline is at least starting to fill up some, finally.

 

[pwjone1]

Here's a quick rundown of two slipcases I've tried for the Motorola DROID.

This first one ...

I bought this next one:

G1 OEM case. Purchased on Ebay from global_dl (OEM PLANET) for $3.95 with free shipping! NEW OEM T-Mobile HTC G1 Google Phone Pocket Case Pouch - eBay (item 110455540978 end time Dec-08-09 21:05:32 PST)

I have to say its freaking awesome, best bang for the buck for sure. Check out how well it fits.

I put the DROID in screen down to make use of the wider part of the case and I feel its safer in my pocket than the glass facing out anyway. The G1 case doesn't add a lot of bulk as you can see and it seems to have enough padding to prevent the glass from cracking during a reasonable drop. Partially open sides make it really easy to grab the DROID to pull it out and an added bonus is that they allow for the DROID to be hooked up to a charger.

Thanks to anyone who suggested this case before, I'm very happy with it. :icon_ banana: :icon_ banana: :icon_ banana:

One thing I wondered about with the G1 GTMax case, is the difference in the phone sizes:

G1: 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm
Droid: 115.8 mm x 60.00 mm x 13.70 mm

So the G1 is narrower than the Droid. The Droid volume is less, but I was concerned about the width. The pictures out on eBay looked a little tight, but the phone does seem to fit fine, from what I could tell from your pictures. On that type of pouch, I usually would put the longer (nominally back) side towards the outside of the pocket, figuring that the added protection is needed there, with the glass/screen towards the inside (body). If it gets jolted, then, mostly that would be from the outside, and you have maximized protection of the screen, by facing it inward. Does by any chance the GTMax case have a stiffened/protective back? Some of this sort of cases do, to kind of backup the padding.

 

[pwjone1]

OK, this is a quick review, of another soft case that I purchased off of eBay:

This one came from cellularstimulas, I seem to be keeping them in business as I search for the "perfect" case, which let's face facts, is not going to happen until Senna or Vaja get their act going, but anyway, at $8, we're not talking something in a comparable price range. I think what cellularstimulas and some of the eBay sellers are doing is taking a Droid, and then seeing what existing cases fit it, and to varying degrees these all get the job done. When I bought my last phone, from HTC, they threw in a soft pouch, free, not sure why Moto couldn't have gone at least that far, and I did use the HTC case for a couple of days on the Droid, but it was just a tad short. Anyway, it's fairly similar to the cellularstimulas unit, which has a little tab saying "Sharp", so I assume that originally went with another phone or a calculator or something. The case is pretty much the standard slip case, the picture makes the edges look grey, they're not, it's all black, just the edges are smooth.

Pros

1. Big enough for the phone (nothing hangs out)
2. A reasonable amount of padding (more protective)
3. Pretty easy to grasp and hold (kind of a velvety feel) to get out of the pocket
4. Inexpensive!

Cons

1. A bit wide on the phone (probably made originally for something wider) - you get a little more protection that way, and it still fits in the pocket, but it does add bulk
2. With the better protection from the padding, comes some added thickness
3. No real hardback type protection (just padding)
4. Interior is very soft material (actually a Pro, you won't scratch the phone), but is not the microfiber type material that helps de-smudge the screen, as on some of the newer phone cases of this type.

So, overall, for the money, a pretty good deal, no complaints. The leather Cellet iPhone case I reviewed previously still has not loosened up, so for now, I'm using this Sharp case. Gets the job done, and is protective enough. I really don't know how these eBay guys do it for so cheap. Free shipping, delivery in a couple of days. But I guess we're 2-4 weeks away from an explosion of cases, as the various manufacturers come on-line and product becomes available.

OK, a bit of added info, after more extended usage. The case developed a tear in the material, nothing too serious, but the cover is apparently fairly thin, and it's not bullet-proof nylon or anything. I am not of the exact cause, I did have another PDA in the pocket for a bit, but nothing sharp. The case is pretty roomy, so somtimes it dimples a bit in the pocket, might be related. I have/had an HTC pouch, came with the phone, that's lasted for years, seems to be of sturdier stuff, microfiber inside actually helps the screen stay cleaner. So the Sharp case could use some improvement.

 

[Geomystic]

Has anyone tried the Nite Ize Leather Cargo Clip Case (Horizontal Case) ?

Nite Ize Leather Cargo Clip Case - Phandroid Store

 

[JRunner01]

I have a similar magnetic case like one above, yes it will go into car mode if i insert with back to magnet but not if screen is to magnet side. The magnet has to be against the back of the droid for it to change modes is all

I am using my old Storm Blackberry pouch case (vertical). When I put it in with screen facing flap with magnet, the phone goes into docking station mode with the time and weather indicator. However after a short while the screen goes out, so I assume this is in some sort of sleep mode? Am I using to much batter like this? I have the screen timeout set to 1 minute.

Thanks...

 

[dieselpowered]

This is mine. It's a mix of cases because I couldn't find a good complete one at any local store and I needed a case or protector ASAP.

Bottom/back - Xentris "Carrying Solution", I only used the back because the piece for the screen would fall of every now and then as it jumbled around in my pocket. On top of that it covered the microphone when it was installed as well.

Front/face - Clear Verizon "Snap-On Hard Cover", I used the front only for the reasons stated above. It's a good fit, doesn't fall off in my pocket, and doesn't cover the microphone hole. The back of the Verizon kit is junk to me, it hooks around the top at the corner that the sleep/power button is located and when I opened or closed the slider it would rub so bad I could only analogize it to be as annoying as fingernails on a chalk board.

Screen Protector - ZAGG Invisibleshield Screen-only shield.

I am usually not abusive with my stuff but I do rush around a lot and toss my phone into my pocket or backpack without thinking when I'm running around so I needed a decent solution that would protect my Droid fairly well until I could get a full body ZAGG or Ghost Armor shipped to me. I ended up spending more than I'd like to initially but unfortunately that's what had to happen with my hectic lifestyle sometimes.

Could you be kind enough to show off the back of your phone as well as a link to the product. I cannot seem to find something for the Moto Droid on their site. I have the Invisible shield and the snap on front, however, wanted to see what you did for the back.

Thanks!

 

[mloewen]

I got a Body Glove tonight at Verizon store in mall. I like the clip that also works as a stand. It is a little hard to take off but doable if you are firm but gentle with it. I forget the original price I was quoted but I got it for 15.00 plus tax.

 

[Zodduska]

One thing I wondered about with the G1 GTMax case, is the difference in the phone sizes:

G1: 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm
Droid: 115.8 mm x 60.00 mm x 13.70 mm

So the G1 is narrower than the Droid. The Droid volume is less, but I was concerned about the width. The pictures out on eBay looked a little tight, but the phone does seem to fit fine, from what I could tell from your pictures. On that type of pouch, I usually would put the longer (nominally back) side towards the outside of the pocket, figuring that the added protection is needed there, with the glass/screen towards the inside (body). If it gets jolted, then, mostly that would be from the outside, and you have maximized protection of the screen, by facing it inward. Does by any chance the GTMax case have a stiffened/protective back? Some of this sort of cases do, to kind of backup the padding.

I'm not sure about the GTMax case, this one is the OEM G1 case and it does not have a stiff back. One thing to note, if the phone was facing the other way inside the case a bit of the stitched on trim would come in contact with the screen since the front "flap" is a bit smaller.. thats one of the reasons I prefer to have the glass facing the larger back so it only comes in contact with the soft material. The fit inside concerning width is just about what I would consider perfect, the fact that the droid is not as thick as the G1 compensates for it being a little wider.

 

[mszv]

I want a fully enclosed vertical leather case with all the cut-outs necessary to fit my Droid, and a flip-up front so I can access the screen without impediment, and a removable belt clip. Just the ordinary case I've grown accustomed to with all my prior phones in the past.....doesn't seem like a lot to ask (although the slide-out keyboard might present design problems). Whatever. I'd even accept such a case that required me to remove the phone from the case to use the hardware keyboard.

I want something similar. I prefer a lined aluminum case, but leather would be OK. I want a case that is similar to what I had for my Motorola Q, also my Palm devices from the old days. I want to be able to connect (cutouts) or use the keyboard without taking off the case (Yes, perhaps the slide out keyboard would be a design challenge). I want a cover on the screen, with a hinge. You open the case to access the device. Instead of a hinge with a clasp, a flip cover would be ok too. If it has a belt clip, the clip has to removable because I won't use it. I don't put my phone in my pocket, so adding a little to the size would be OK by me.

Proporta and rhinoskin (rhinoskin was in the old days) had cases like that. So far, Proporta, which makes excellent cases, has nothing.

Sigh. I think it's tough to know exactly what want if you can't get it.

 

[pwjone1]

One thing I wondered about with the G1 GTMax case, is the difference in the phone sizes:

G1: 117.7 mm x 55.7 mm x 17.1 mm
Droid: 115.8 mm x 60.00 mm x 13.70 mm

So the G1 is narrower than the Droid. The Droid volume is less, but I was concerned about the width. The pictures out on eBay looked a little tight, but the phone does seem to fit fine, from what I could tell from your pictures. On that type of pouch, I usually would put the longer (nominally back) side towards the outside of the pocket, figuring that the added protection is needed there, with the glass/screen towards the inside (body). If it gets jolted, then, mostly that would be from the outside, and you have maximized protection of the screen, by facing it inward. Does by any chance the GTMax case have a stiffened/protective back? Some of this sort of cases do, to kind of backup the padding.

I'm not sure about the GTMax case, this one is the OEM G1 case and it does not have a stiff back. One thing to note, if the phone was facing the other way inside the case a bit of the stitched on trim would come in contact with the screen since the front "flap" is a bit smaller.. thats one of the reasons I prefer to have the glass facing the larger back so it only comes in contact with the soft material. The fit inside concerning width is just about what I would consider perfect, the fact that the droid is not as thick as the G1 compensates for it being a little wider.

Interesting. Well, for $4, I just went ahead and ordered the GTMax case, to see how it works out. Sounds similar to the Sharp case (from eBay, listed as NEW HIGH QUALITY LARGE SOFT POUCH CASE 4 MOTOROLA DROID), but that one is probably a bit bigger, it covers/clears the screen so you can do the reverse trick, but it is not made from very sturdy stuff, so I guess we're still looking for the perfect slip case, not that at $4 or $8 was supposed to bring perfection.

Here's a side view of the Sharp case:

So that prospective buyers can compare.

 

[pwjone1]

I want a fully enclosed vertical leather case with all the cut-outs necessary to fit my Droid, and a flip-up front so I can access the screen without impediment, and a removable belt clip. Just the ordinary case I've grown accustomed to with all my prior phones in the past.....doesn't seem like a lot to ask (although the slide-out keyboard might present design problems). Whatever. I'd even accept such a case that required me to remove the phone from the case to use the hardware keyboard.

I want something similar. I prefer a lined aluminum case, but leather would be OK. I want a case that is similar to what I had for my Motorola Q, also my Palm devices from the old days. I want to be able to connect (cutouts) or use the keyboard without taking off the case (Yes, perhaps the slide out keyboard would be a design challenge). I want a cover on the screen, with a hinge. You open the case to access the device. Instead of a hinge with a clasp, a flip cover would be ok too. If it has a belt clip, the clip has to removable because I won't use it. I don't put my phone in my pocket, so adding a little to the size would be OK by me.

Proporta and rhinoskin (rhinoskin was in the old days) had cases like that. So far, Proporta, which makes excellent cases, has nothing.

Sigh. I think it's tough to know exactly what want if you can't get it.

I used to have one of the Al type cases on an older Dell PDA, it was very protective, looked a bit like this:

(slightly different model than mine). The inside of the case was foam rubber, and the PDA slid in. Case would not stop a bullet, but close But you are right, with the keyboard, it would be a tricky piece of engineering. I suppose you could design it with a flat/reverse hinge on the right side, so that when it opened, it would allow room for the screen to slide out to the right. Still, holding it on would be tricky.

I do notice that Proporta is listing at least a leather case for the Droid, see:

http://www.proporta.com/PhpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=/images/F03/i/maya_case_apple_iphone_3gs.JPG&w=270px&h=230px

Although I think maybe this is a bit dubious, as a listing for Droid, as obviously this is an iPhone case. If you look at dimensions on the two different phone units:

Droid: 60.0 x 115.8 x 13.7 mm (95187.6 cu-mm)
3GS: 62.1 x 115.5 x 12.3 mm (88222.4 cu-mm)

You can see that while dimensionally similar in many ways, mostly a mm here or there, the volume is still overall about 8% different (and I used a cubical assumption, the gap is actually wider due to the rounded edges, elliptical back on the iPhone). So I must say, I have my doubts about anything that's really form-fitting on an iPhone fitting the Droid. It has to be pretty tight on a Droid, when you get down to it. It's still a remarkable engineering feat to have a Droid so close in size, since it has a keyboard, Motorola is to be commended, but it's going to require really a bit bigger cases.

 

[mszv]

Pwjone1, that was my case on my Palm! Also, your research on cases is impressive, love your assumptions on the calculations!

I still use my Palm for the alarm and for the games, so I still have the case. Those cases were wonderful. For the Motorola Q I have a case with a hinge. The screen is visible via clear plastic, though you can open the case for best visibility. The back and sides are enclosed except for cutouts, and the keyboard is not protected. That was ok because I could lock the phone keyboard to prevent accidental clicking, and nothing hurt the keys on the Q anyway. My case for the Q is just perfect for it -- I'm looking at it now.

I am going to have buy the extended warranty/service plan either from Verizon or Best Buy (don't have my phone yet). I've dropped my phones before, but they were always in cases. The thing about the pouch cases, which I do like -- you have to take the phone out of the case to use it . So, knowing me, that's when I'll drop it. I've dropped phones and PDAs before but they were in sturdy cases, and nothing happened to them.

I do need a sturdy, but not bulletproof (!) case I can put in my bag, without working about the phone.

It will be interesting what new cases crop up.

Thanks everyone, for such great research. What a great group of people, and a great forum!

 

[a73]

happy with the $4 G1 pouch in post #222 of this thread. thanks for the suggestion!